We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($485 USD)
access_time over 2 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Yes, I have some new goals that, if I get some money I will buy more goats and once I sell them I will be able to buy cows. I love this goats business because if it picks up well, I will be having a reliable source for my family.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I am happy and very much appreciative to this organization. GiveDirectly has been doing well since the first time they came for sensitization upto now. It doesn't have any negative issues. It's staff are professional and ethical. Personally I don't see any part that needs some amendments.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
When I withdrew the money, I did some renovation to my house by constructing a base all around the house so that I make it firm and strong. I also bought some goats and I am now a happy herder because I used to desire livestock from the neighboring villages but now I am raring them.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($495 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
It was about 8 am, I was in my house sweeping to prepare breakfast for my family. I heard a message alert on my phone. Being illiterate, I couldn't comprehend its meaning. I had to call my relative to check my phone. I was overwhelmed with joy when I was informed that I had received my transfer because I had never received such a huge amount of money. Everyone in my compound was very happy and I had to keep my phone safe waiting for my helper to come to assist me in withdrawing the transfer.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am now living a happy life full of hope seeing the different building materials laying in my house. I am optimistic that I will be able to repair my house and finally reside in a semi-permanent house that does not need constant maintenance.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent KES 17,000 of my transfer to purchase building materials including building stones, sand, and cement. This is because my house was about to collapse and I lack the finances to repair it. I also set aside KES 18,000 for payment of the labor charges for the renovation of my house. I also saved the remaining amount for any financial emergency that might arise in the future.
Enrolled
access_time 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money for GiveDirectly means improved living standards for my household. This is because I am an old widow depending on charcoal burning which is tiresome. I am planning to spend Kshs.80,000 to buy four indigenous cows, two to cultivate my farm as well as hiring to my neighbors and the other two to produce milk for own consumption and sell surplus to an a living.I will also use Kshs.8000 to buy a plough.The remaining amount will help to cater for other basic needs such as food and treatment for the cattle.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the afternoon. This is because the weather is normally fine and therefore I get a good time to rest. Unlike in the morning and evening hours, when I wake up early and go to burn charcoal in the forest while in the evening I sleep immediately after super due to cold weather.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I have ever faced in my life is food insecurity. This is because I am a widow and rely on the charcoal burning business which earns me very little. Due to this, I find it hard to get food and sometimes I am forced to seek help from relatives. Something that makes me feel sad.
